Hospice Tree of Memories honors loved ones lost

AROUND 60 PEOPLE gathered in the lobby of the Huggins Medical Arts Center last Saturday, Dec. 15 to honor the memories of loved ones. Rev. Murray Nickerson, pastor of the South Tamworth Methodist Church lead the service with musical accompaniment from (l-r) Bill Heske and Jim Weigel. (Elissa Paquette photo) (click for larger version)

December 20, 2012

WOLFEBORO — The holiday season is a time of pageants, concerts and good cheer, but it also is a time when those who are no longer with us are especially missed. Volunteers and members of the Hospice Advisory Committee held a service of reflection and remembrance on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Huggins Medical Arts Center for community members who have lost loved ones.

Visitors were able to purchase porcelain dove tree ornaments with which to honor a family member or friend in support of Hospice and place them on the Tree of Memories outside by the entrance of the main parking lot. Proceeds go toward improving the quality of life of people in advanced stages of illness served by Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice.

Rev. Murray Nickerson, pastor of the South Tamworth Methodist Church lead the service that included two responsive readings: "Each of Us Has a Name" and "We Remember Them," with musical accompaniment from Bill Heske (keyboards) and Jim Weigel (bass), who also sang "I Will Remember You."

Names of those held in memory were read aloud by Bette Coffey, Nancy Greer, Debbie Smiley, David Booth and Judi Ouellette.

Those who wished to personally hang their ornaments on the tree following the service were invited to do so.

Similar services were held on the same day in Alton, Ossipee and Wakefield. Nearly 500 doves are hung on trees in the four towns each year.